MATCH REPORT
Follow UsNellai Royal Kings defeated Chepauk Super Gillies by eight wickets in the first match of the doubleheader on June 24, 2023, at Salem Cricket Foundation Ground.
The Tamil Nadu Premier League has moved to Salem. In the first game, Chepauk Super Gillies met Nellai Royal Kings. The defending champions opted to bat first on a pitch that looked like a solid batting track.
However, Chepauk Super Gillies found themselves under pressure as Pradosh Ranjan Paul got out in the second over for just two runs.
Baba Aparajith, who is in good touch this season, began his innings well. When Narayan Jagadeesan fell to Mohan Prasath for 15, he took on more responsibility to guide the innings until the end. In the 10th over, the all-rounder smashed three sixes off Sandeep Warrier to take the score to 71/2.
Lakshay Jain's first over turned fruitful for the Nellai Royal Kings. He removed Sanjay Yadav first, followed by M. Poiyamozhi.
Chepauk Super Gillies were 101/5 in their 15 overs. Aparajith, who didn't get much of a strike in the middle overs, reached his half-century in 40 deliveries. Later, he took on Harish for three sixes and a four before losing his wicket to Poiyamozhi on 79 (51). This is the second TNPL 2023 half-century for the experienced all-rounder.
Poiyamozhi was the purple cap holder during the Coimbatore phase. However, he couldn't perform well at Dindigul. The Nellai Royal Kings bowler had an excellent start to the Salem phase today, as he grabbed three wickets to reduce the defending champions to 159/7.
Chasing a modest total, the Nellai Royal Kings had an excellent start to their innings, courtesy of captain Arun Karthik. The veteran Tamil Nadu star had a couple of bad outings recently at Dindigul. Today, he was timing the ball well and was able to find boundaries with ease.
Arun Karthik made full use of the powerplay as he scored five fours and two sixes within six overs. The fielding changes didn't stop the Nellai Royal Kings captain. He continued to deal with boundaries and got to his half-century in 25 deliveries, the fastest of the season. This was Karthik's 13th half-century of TNPL.
Sri Neranjan was a silent spectator during his captain's show and was happy to give the strike back to him. He got out for 24 runs to Rahil Shah. The openers added 79 runs for the first wicket.
Karthik and Rithik Easwaran kept the scoreboard ticking and had just three dot balls in the 61-run partnership for the second wicket. They added pressure on Chepauk Super Gillies fielders and managed to grab quick singles. Rithik Easwaran got out after making 26 (22). After his dismissal, G. Ajitesh joined Arun Karthik. However, the centurion didn't have much to do as the captain led the team from the front and took them home with a massive six. With that, he also reached the third century of his TNPL career.
This is the third consecutive loss for the defending champions. They stay fourth in the points table, while Nellai Royal Kings move to the top of the table with four wins and a loss.
After the win, Nellai Royal Kings' Lakshay Jain said: It was nice to see KB Arun Karthik (Anna)'s batting today. He is leading by example. I'm enjoying my bowling this season. Also, today, Poiyamozhi bowled really well in the final overs and helped us win.
After the loss, Chepauk Super Gillies captain Narayan Jagadeesan said, I still believe it was a good batting wicket. Even when I was batting, the wicket was good. Though we did well at the end, the score was below par. We still have two games to go, and I think we have a good chance of making it.
Today's player of the match and Nellai Royal Kings captain Arun Karthik said: Thanks to God, I was able to bat well today. This wicket looks solid to bat on. Also, I practiced hard against left-arm spinners to sweep them more. Our team's youngsters are very talented. Rithik Easwaran is especially amazing. He has several shots, like a reverse scoop, and can play them anytime. Before the tournament, we practiced exactly for chases like this. Today, it came out well.
(Image and Match Report Courtesy: TNPL)
